New Blog Name Contest and Giveaway.

 Well, I've been thinking about all the stuff I write about on my blog. Originally, I wanted this to be a place to encourage other women to live for the Lord and talk about how God has worked in my own life. I also have been keeping track of the many "gifts" God has blessed me with each week, through Ann Voskamp's Joy Dare. Recently, though, I find myself adding other side posts that have very little to do with any of those subjects. I have an array of interests, but have specifically been posting on my love of tea things, my interest in gardening and flowers, and also my fascination with Pinterest and Polyvore, by sharing the many creative ideas found there.

(Our soon-to-be lake cottage)

Even more recently, my husband and I are planning, God willing, on moving out of our large home and into a small, lakefront cottage very soon. We are at that age, where we are anticipating the days of becoming empty-nesters and retirees. We've dreamed of living on a lake for a few years, and have had a few fortunate events that helped us to make that dream a reality. The cottage is a bit outdated and has very little landscaping and literally no flowers! So I'll be working on new ideas and I know I'll be wanting to share the progress of the changes to our new cottage.

The thing is, it seems like I'm shifting gears a little bit, but I don't want to forget about my original desire to have a blog in the first place. That is why, I've decided that the best thing to do is to keep my original blog "Christ in the Clouds," where I'll continue to share my list of God's gifts and blessings, as well as encourage other women, and start a "home and garden, lake cottage, tea lover, empty-nester" blog. I know, I should probably start at least a couple more blogs, but I just don't have the time to keep that many going. I hope having 2 blogs won't be too much for me! I am currently posting about 3-5 times per week. That is plenty for me. By dividing them up, I hope to post about 2-3 posts in each blog a week, at the most. I don't want blogging to take over my life, like I've heard has happened to some bloggers.

Anyways, I'm having some trouble coming up with just the right name for my new blog-page. I was hoping that some of my bloggy-friends out there, might offer some suggestions. Like I said, this blog is going to be geared more towards the following:

•  sharing my love of tea
•  lake cottage living
•  cottage decorating
•  being creative with clothing ensemble combinations
•  gardening and landscaping ideas
• life as an empty-nester

Any ideas will be considered up till Thursday, May 3rd.

• I also know that it usually helps to have a gift/prize for the person who's blogname I decide to use.  My friend Malorie, makes some pretty cute homemade greeting cards and tags (3-D, embossed).
• The winner of the blog name contest will receive 6 homemade cards and envelopes made by Malorie. If you have a sweet tooth, you'll love these cupcake and ice-cream shaped cards, with different cute sayings on the inside of each card.

So PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE, leave a suggestion or comment, as well as a link back to your blog-page or email address.  I will keep you all posted on my final decision and the winner that is chosen. I am excited to hear all the cute and creative ideas you all come up with!!

Linking up at these blog parties:

Christmas Break.

I'll be taking several days away from my blogging to celebrate Christmas with my family. My hubby has some time off, starting this weekend, so I'll be ready to share some great stuff with with you after the holidays. I will be checking in now and then. Have a wonderful Christmas and a joyful New Year!!

Linking up with Reflections of His Grace, Internet Cafe', and My Daily Walk: Winsome Wednesday

Source: christchurchofpeacejacksonville.org via Ann on Pinterest

Joy and Peace to all my bloggy friends!

My First Post

There are several reasons I decided to start a blog. First and foremost I like writing, especially about how God is working in my life. I also love to read. I've been reading and following other bloggers for a while and decided it would be fun to be a part of that community.  I have read how others have been encouraged and built friendships from all over the world through blogging. I also know that I have more recently had more time on my hands and God has been working in my heart to do this. I held off doing it, more out of not knowing how to get it started or what I would even write about, than anything else. I also know that I’m not a professional writer and would hate to bore anyone who would read what I wrote. Even if I get very few(if any) followers, I hope that someone may find my blogs helpful in their lives, as so many have done for me in sharing theirs.  Maybe, I’ll even learn a little about how to become a better writer.  No matter what, I want to give God the glory and grow in Him, and have fun doing it!!!! I’ll do my very best to keep this blog updated, at least every week. There’s nothing more frustrating than for me to follow someone’s blog and all of a sudden they stop blogging for several months!!! So, here I go……